The Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) recorded an impressive Sh1.78 billion in sales during this week’s auction, highlighting the global demand for Kenyan premium coffee grades. A total of 33,435 bags of coffee were traded, significantly higher than last week’s 18,874 bags.
The average price for a 50-kilogram bag of coffee rose to Sh43,512, up from Sh43,253 the previous week, marking a consistent upward trend in coffee prices. Premium grades of AA and AB dominated the auction, with 26,716 bags accounting for 80% of the total volume traded.
Githembe Coffee Factory, affiliated with the Thiririka Farmers’ Cooperative Society in Kiambu, earned the highest price per bag, selling 26 bags of grade AA coffee at Sh53,354 each. The sale, brokered by Alliance Berries Ltd, underscored the high value placed on quality Kenyan coffee.
Other factories that fetched top prices for grade AA coffee included Guama at Sh52,577 per bag, Marumi at Sh47,656, and Iruguini at Sh50,246. Additional strong performers were Ithangaini (Sh49,728), Kiamutuira (Sh49,339), and Kaguyu (Sh49,857).
Alliance Berries Ltd led the agents by selling 15,973 bags, earning Sh878.76 million. Kirinyaga Slopes Company traded 4,310 bags, generating Sh227.75 million, while the New Kenya Planters Co-operative Union (KPCU) sold 3,439 bags for Sh179.5 million.
On the buyers’ side, C. Dormans emerged as the top purchaser, acquiring 7,531 bags worth Sh415.5 million. Kenyacof Limited followed with 6,449 bags at Sh364.8 million, while Ibero Kenya Limited and Taylor Winch bought 6,122 and 5,476 bags, respectively.
NCE CEO Lisper Ndung’u expressed optimism about the auction’s performance, attributing the success to the commitment of farmers and stakeholders to maintaining high quality standards. “This week’s auction reaffirmed the global demand for Kenya’s superior coffee. The robust trading environment reflects the dedication within our supply chain and the favourable conditions enabling Kenyan coffee to fetch premium prices on the international market,” she said.
The high volume of premium coffee presented and the impressive prices achieved signal a positive trajectory for Kenya’s coffee sector. Stakeholders are hopeful that these gains will motivate farmers to continue prioritizing quality to maintain Kenya’s esteemed global reputation.
